Footwear element

ABSTRACT

A footwear element including a flexible outer sole assembly and a flexible upper, both of which demarcate a fitting volume, the footwear element extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral portion and a medial portion, and height-wise from an outer surface of the outer sole assembly to an upper end, the footwear element having a shoe insertion opening. The footwear element includes spikes projecting from the area of the outer surface of the outer sole assembly. The footwear element includes a removable reinforcement having the general appearance of a plate, the reinforcement extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and depth-wise between a support surface and a receiving surface, the reinforcement being arranged opposite the outer sole assembly, and the reinforcement being substantially non-deformable in longitudinal flexion, along a transverse axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon French Patent Application No. FR 15/00158, filed Jan. 27, 2015, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a footwear element that includes an outer sole assembly and a flexible upper, as well as spikes projecting from the area of an outer surface of the outer sole assembly. The footwear element is used to house an article of footwear, such as a sports shoe. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising the footwear element and the shoe.

The footwear element and the shoe can be used in fields such as walking or running on level, hilly or mountainous terrain, hiking, or climbing.

2. Background Information

In the known manner, a shoe includes an outer sole assembly and a flexible upper, thereby enabling a user to walk, run, or practice a sport under normal conditions, whether on dry terrain or on moist, wet, or even muddy, snowy, or ice-covered terrain. It becomes difficult, even dangerous, to walk, run, or practice a sport when the terrain is degraded or is naturally difficult. This is particularly the case when the ground is slippery due, for example, to mud, snow, ice, or the like. To deal with situations such as those mentioned above, it is known to cover the shoe with a footwear element that is precisely adapted to make it easier to walk, run, or practice a sport on difficult terrain.

In general, the footwear element comprises an outer sole assembly and a flexible upper, as well as spikes projecting from the area of an outer surface of the outer sole assembly. The footwear element, via the spikes attached thereto, enables the user to walk, run, or more generally to move on degraded or naturally difficult terrain. The footwear element is particularly suitable for snow or ice. Therefore, the user can perform the activity in good conditions, that is to say, with a good level of comfort and a good level of safety. However, it has been noted that the use of a footwear element provided with spikes sometimes poses certain drawbacks.

Indeed, although the spikes make it easier to walk, run, or practice a sport with respect to ground adhesion, for example, accuracy of the support forces or transmission of sensory information, it has been found that the user is nevertheless hampered under certain conditions.

A first drawback is related to the accuracy of the support forces or, more broadly, the accuracy of the transmission of sensory information. This first drawback occurs mostly in extreme conditions of use. Under these conditions, the footwear element hardly maintains a stable position on the ground. This is the case, for example, when moving on a glacier or on ice cascades. In these environments, the ground is often steeply inclined and is sometimes vertical or almost vertical. Parasitic movements of the footwear with respect to the ground are then observed, which negatively affect the accuracy of the support forces and the accuracy of the transmission of sensory information. It can be said that a footwear element according to the prior art limits the ability to move on difficult terrain; this element is not suitable for all terrains.

A second drawback is related to comfort, still mainly under the aforementioned conditions of use. Comfort should be understood as a situation in which user fatigue is reduced and injuries are nonexistent or substantially nonexistent. In fact, to compensate for the lack of accuracy in the support forces or in the transmission of sensory information, as has been mentioned, the user often exerts excessive force, thereby causing additional fatigue, and possible injury.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, the invention generally improves a footwear element fitted with spikes. More specifically, the invention improves the accuracy of the support forces or, more broadly, the accuracy of the transmission of sensory information. The invention further reduces user fatigue and also reduces or even completely eliminates the occurrence of injuries associated with the use of the footwear element. In other words, the invention improves the comfort of the footwear element, at least with respect to its use in extreme conditions.

To this end, the invention provides a footwear element comprising a flexible outer sole assembly and a flexible upper, both of which demarcate a fitting volume, the footwear element extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral portion and a medial portion, and height-wise from an outer surface of the outer sole assembly to an upper end, the footwear element having a shoe insertion opening, the footwear element comprising spikes projecting from the area of the outer surface of the outer sole assembly.

A footwear element according to the invention includes a removable reinforcement having the general appearance of a plate, the reinforcement extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral edge and a medial edge, and depth-wise between a support surface and a receiving surface, the reinforcement being arranged opposite the outer sole assembly, the reinforcement being substantially non-deformable in longitudinal flexion along a transverse axis.

When the reinforcement is removed from its convenient location, the footwear element has a flexibility that promotes good foot rolling movement. The user is therefore capable of moving with accuracy and comfortably on easy terrain, that is to say, slightly uneven or slightly inclined. Conversely, when the reinforcement is positioned opposite the sole assembly, the footwear element has a greater rigidity, at least in the area of the outer sole assembly, which makes it possible to take supports on steeply inclined, almost vertical or vertical terrain. It can be said that the reinforcement makes it possible to modify and adapt the rigidity of the footwear element to the desired conditions of use. The rigidity is increased mainly in the area of the outer sole assembly, which has the effect of distributing the forces associated with the supports over a large area of the footwear element, and therefore over a large area of the foot of the user. The perception of the support forces and sensory information by the user is more reliable, more consistent.

A resulting advantage of the foregoing is that, with the invention, the accuracy of the support forces or, more broadly, the accuracy of the transmission of sensory information, is obtained in environments in which the ground is steeply inclined, vertical or substantially vertical.

Another advantage derived from the foregoing is that of improved comfort of the footwear element during use under difficult conditions. User fatigue is moderate, and injuries are non-existent or very substantially minimized.

In fact, the invention makes the footwear element more versatile by providing it with accuracy and comfort in all situations, provided that care is taken to position or remove the reinforcement depending on the intended purpose.

In general, the invention can be said to improve a footwear element comprising spikes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the description which follows, with reference to the annexed drawings illustrating, by way of non-limiting embodiments, how the invention can be carried out, and in which

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an assembly comprising a footwear element and a shoe according to a first embodiment of the invention, in a case in which the footwear element and the shoe are separated from one another;

FIG. 2 is a cross section along the line II-II of FIG. 1, in a case in which the shoe is arranged within the footwear element and

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 1, for a second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The first embodiment described below relates more specifically to a footwear element for walking or running on snow or ice, or for climbing in ice cascades. However, the invention is also applicable to other fields, such as those mentioned above.

The first embodiment is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

As shown in FIG. 1, a footwear element 1 is configured to receive a walking or running shoe 2, itself configured to receive the foot of the user.

Conventionally, the footwear element 1 comprises a flexible outer sole assembly 3 and a flexible upper 4. The footwear element extends lengthwise from a rear end, or heel 5, to a front end, or tip 6, and widthwise between a lateral portion 7 and a medial portion 8.

The footwear element 1 also includes spikes 9 projecting from the area of an outer surface 10 of the outer sole assembly 3. The spikes 9 are used to improve the grip of the footwear element 1 on a slippery surface, covered with snow or ice.

As shown, the upper 4 comprises a first portion, or lower portion 11, configured to surround the foot via the shoe 2, as well as an upper portion 12 extending the lower portion 11 in a direction away from the outer sole assembly 3, the upper portion 12 being configured to cover at least the ankle of the user, or the ankle and a portion of the lower leg. An embodiment in which the footwear element only comprises a lower portion can alternatively be provided.

The upper portion 12 of the upper 4 increases the outer surface of the footwear element 1, compared to an element whose upper would only comprise a lower portion. In fact, the upper portion 12 of the upper 4 also increases the fitting and protection volume of the footwear element. According, the specific properties of the lower portion 11 of the upper, such as impermeability to water or snow, or thermal insulation, are extended by the upper portion 12. In the end, the foot, the ankle, and a portion of the lower leg are protected at the same time. Water, snow, or ice can hardly penetrate, if at all, inside the footwear element 1. The shoe 2 is therefore also protected.

The shoe 2 comprises an outer sole assembly 13 and a flexible upper 14. The shoe 2 extends lengthwise from a rear end, or heel 15, to a front end, or tip 16, and width-wise between a lateral portion 17 and a medial portion 18. According to the first embodiment described, the shoe 2 comprises a lower portion 19 and no upper portion. The shoe 2 extends height-wise from the outer sole assembly 13 to an upper end 20, that is to say, up to the free end of the lower portion 19 or of the upper 14. Similarly, the footwear element 1 extends height-wise from the outer sole assembly 3 to an upper end 21, that is to say, up to the free end of the upper portion 12 or of the upper 4. Thus, when the shoe 2 is positioned in the footwear element 1, the upper end 20 of the upper 14 is closer to the outer sole assembly 3 than the upper end 21. This reflects the fact that the upper 4 of the footwear element 1 extends the coverage achieved by the upper 14 of the shoe 2.

Still according to the first embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower portion 11 and upper portion 12 of the footwear element 1 form a continuous shell. This means that no passage is provided to allow foreign objects therethrough. This also means that the protection afforded by the flexible upper 4 extends to the area of the lower portion 11 and to the area of the upper portion 12.

Considering FIG. 1 more specifically, the footwear element 1 has a shoe insertion opening 25. This opening 25 extends from the upper end 21 to the outer sole assembly 3. On the side of the upper end 21, the opening 25 has an upper subdivision 26 configured to allow the foot therethrough and also to surround the lower leg after shoe insertion. In the area of the lower leg, the ankle, and the heel, between the upper end 21 and the outer sole assembly 3, the shoe insertion opening 25 of the flexible upper 4 has a lateral lower subdivision 27 and a medial lower subdivision 28 which make it possible to vary the size of the shoe insertion opening and of the fitting volume. The upper 26 and lateral lower 27 subdivisions are co-extensive, and the upper 26 and medial lower 28 subdivisions are co-extensive. This arrangement enables the shoe 2 to be inserted into, or removed from, the footwear element 1. Consequently, the aforementioned arrangement enables the foot to be inserted or removed at the same time as the shoe. It is possible to provide an alternative construction whereby the shoe insertion opening 25 has the upper subdivision 26 and a rear lower subdivision. In this case, the latter extends to the area of the lower leg and of the heel, between the upper end 21 and the rear end 5 in the area of the outer sole assembly 3. The upper subdivision 26 and rear lower subdivision are co-extensive.

The footwear element 1 also comprises a device 29 for closing the lateral lower subdivision 27 of the shoe insertion opening 25, and device 30 for closing the medial lower subdivision 28 of the shoe insertion opening 25. This keeps the upper 4 in contact with the shoe 2, on the one hand, and in contact with the ankle and the lower leg, on the other hand.

In a non-limiting fashion, the closure devices 29, 30 include slide fasteners 31, 32, respectively, which provide for quick opening or closure of the lower subdivision 27, thereby enabling the shoe to be inserted or removed more quickly. However, other structures, such as a lace device, a device with complementary fastening bands, one of which is provided with loops and the other with hooks, or any equivalent, are possible for the closure devices.

Still according to the first embodiment of the invention, the arrangement of the subdivisions 27, 28 close to the rear of the upper makes it easier to insert a foot already covered by the shoe into the footwear element 1. Another advantage is improved resistance to penetration of foreign objects, especially in snowy environments. Indeed, because the lower subdivisions 27, 28 are located at the rear, the front surface 33 of the upper 4 is continuous from the front end 6 to the upper end 21. In other words, the front surface has no passage. However, walking involves forward movements and contacts of the upper 4 with snow on the side of this surface. Its structural continuity guarantees imperviousness and/or protection.

In summary, the shoe insertion opening 25 has an upper subdivision 26 and at least one lower subdivision 27, 28, the lower subdivision 27, 28 being located in a zone extending over 50% of the length of the footwear element 1 from the rear end 5.

According to the invention, the footwear element 1 comprises a removable reinforcement 34 having the general appearance of a plate, the reinforcement 34 extending lengthwise from a rear end 35 to a front end 36, widthwise between a lateral edge 37 and a medial edge 38, and depth-wise between a support surface 39 and a receiving surface 40, the reinforcement 34 being arranged opposite the outer sole assembly 3, the reinforcement 34 being substantially non-deformable in longitudinal flexion, along a transverse axis.

When the reinforcement 34 is removed from its functional location, the footwear element 1 has a flexibility that promotes good foot rolling movement. The user is therefore capable of moving with accuracy and comfortably on easy terrain, that is to say, less uneven or less inclined terrain. Conversely, when the reinforcement 34 is positioned opposite the outer sole assembly 3, the footwear element 1 has a greater rigidity, at least in the area of the outer sole assembly, which makes it possible to take support on steeply inclined, vertical or almost vertical terrain. The reinforcement 34 makes it possible to modify and adapt the rigidity of the footwear element 1 to the desired conditions of use. The rigidity is increased mainly in the area of the outer sole assembly, which has the effect of distributing the forces associated with the supports over a large area of the footwear element, and therefore over a large area of the foot of the user. The perception of the support forces and sensory information by the user is more reliable, more consistent.

Consequently, the accuracy of the support forces or, more broadly, the accuracy of the transmission of sensory information, is obtained in environments in which the ground is steeply inclined, almost vertical or vertical. For example, in the case in which the footwear element is provided with frontal spikes 9, the user can climb very steep slopes or walls by relieving muscular stress in the area of the calves and foot muscles. Rigidifying the footwear element makes it possible to reduce fatigue associated with a lever arm effect between the spikes that grip the ice at the front and the heel. In addition, an improved comfort of the footwear element is noticed during use under harsh conditions. User fatigue is moderate, and injuries are inexistent or very substantially minimized.

The reinforcement 34 is adapted to reinforce a substantial portion of the footwear element 1, that is to say, a substantial portion of the outer sole assembly 3 in this case. To this end, the reinforcement 34 has a length between 80% and 100% of the length of the outer sole assembly 3, and a width between 80% and 100% of the width of the outer sole assembly 3. More specifically, in the context of the first embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement 34 has a length between 90% and 100% of the length of the outer sole assembly, and a width between 90% and 100% of the width of the outer sole assembly. This makes it possible to transmit the forces associated with the supports, and in fact all sensory information, over the entire or almost the entire foot.

Still with respect to the dimensional aspect, the thickness of the reinforcement 34 is between 1.0 mm and 6.0 mm. These values have yielded good results, knowing that they will vary depending on the material(s) selected, which are discussed below. In any case, a compromise must be reached between the weight of the reinforcement 34 and its flexural strength. If the thickness is substantial, the flexural strength is substantial; but the weight is also slightly more substantial. This results in a significant improvement of the transmission of sensory information, while slightly weighing down the footwear element. Conversely, if the thickness is less substantial, the flexural strength is less substantial, but the weight is also slightly less substantial. In this case, the transmission of sensory information is improved in a more measured proportion, but the footwear element remains lighter. In the end, everything is a matter of compromise, and the user can actually choose the reinforcement that suits him/her best, among a plurality of reinforcements with different properties, in order to adjust the behavior of the footwear element to his/her needs.

Still according to the first embodiment, the reinforcement 34 is arranged within the fitting volume. The fitting volume is demarcated by the outer sole assembly and the upper. In practice, the reinforcement is inserted in the footwear element to be positioned opposite the outer sole assembly 3, for example by being arranged in direct contact with the latter. In this case, the support surface 39 of the reinforcement 34 directly contacts the outer sole assembly 3. This is a very simple implementation, because the reinforcement can easily be positioned in, or removed from, the footwear element.

With respect to its constitution, the reinforcement 34 comprises a synthetic material. The reinforcement is, for example, comprised of one or more layers of materials such as polyamide, polyurethane, polyethylene, or any similar material. The reinforcement 34 may also be comprised of one or more layers of fibers or fiber portions embedded in thermoformable or thermosetting materials, such as resins or any appropriate plastic material. The fibers can be in any possible arrangement, such as a woven arrangement, for example.

Still according to the first embodiment of the invention, the footwear element comprises a tightening device 41 affixed to the reinforcement 34, the tightening device 41 being configured to tighten a shoe 2 and/or a foot housed in the fitting volume. This is to ensure that the foot is immobilized with respect to the reinforcement 34 for a better perception of sensory information and a better transmission of the forces which ultimately will enable a better grip of the spikes in the snow or in the ice, especially if the user is moving in a very steep or vertical wall.

In a non-limiting manner, the tightening device 41 is comprised of straps 42, 43 or strap portions that can be maintained in the tightening position, for example by means of a locking device 44.

The tightening device 41 is located in the area of a zone of the reinforcement 34 extending from the rear end 35 to the front end 36, over a distance between 10% and 45% of the length of the reinforcement 34. This makes it possible to press the user's foot on the heel of the footwear element 1.

The second embodiment is described below with reference to FIG. 3. For convenience, the elements shared with the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals.

The second embodiment features a footwear element 1 with an outer sole assembly 3 and a flexible upper 4, as well as a shoe 2 and a removable reinforcement 54. Again, the reinforcement 54 has the general appearance of a plate, the reinforcement 54 extending lengthwise from a rear end 55 to a front end 56, widthwise between a lateral edge 57 and a medial edge 58, and depth-wise between a support surface 59 and a receiving surface 60, the reinforcement 54 being arranged opposite the outer sole assembly 3, the reinforcement 54 being substantially non-deformable in longitudinal flexion, along a transverse axis.

What is specific to the second embodiment is that the footwear element 1 comprises a tightening device 61 affixed to the outer sole assembly 3 and/or to the upper 4, the tightening device 61 being configured to tighten a shoe 2 and/or a foot housed in the fitting volume. Again, this is to ensure that the foot is immobilized with respect to the reinforcement 54, for a better perception of sensory information, and a better transmission of the forces which ultimately will enable a better grip of the spikes in the snow or in the ice, particularly if the user is moving on a steep or vertical wall.

In a non-limiting fashion, the tightening device 61 is comprised of straps 62, 63 or strap portions that can be maintained in the tightening position, for example by means of a locking device 64.

The tightening device 61 is located in the area of a zone of the reinforcement 54 extending from the rear end 55 to the front end 56, over a distance between 10% and 45% of the length of the reinforcement 54. This makes it possible to press the user's foot on the heel of the footwear element 1.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes all the technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

In particular, the invention covers an assembly comprising a low-upper shoe 2 and a footwear element 1.

In addition, clarification is provided as to what is meant by flexibility in the area of the sole assembly 3. The latter is flexible in the sense that it allows flexing or rolling movement of the foot during walking. Such foot rolling movement relates, for example, to the bending of the shoe in an area corresponding to the flexing at the ball of the foot, that is, at the metatarsal-phalangeal joint as the heel of the user is raised. The outer sole assembly 3 comprises one or more layers of synthetic material, for example. In a non-limiting fashion, a layer of material such as polyurethane, whose thickness is between 3.0 mm and 7.0 mm, can be provided.

In a non-limiting manner, the footwear element 1 comprises a front crampon 65 and a rear crampon 66. Alternatively, only one front crampon or only one rear crampon can be provided. The use of two crampons improves the ability of the footwear element to cooperate with snow or ice.

For example, a crampon comprises a body 67 carrying the spikes 9, as shown in FIG. 2.

The reinforcement can have a three-dimensional geometry, still with the general appearance of a plate, but being edged with a discontinuous or continuous, for example, peripheral wall for better transverse wedging of the shoe housed in the footwear element.

Furthermore, it has been shown that the tightening device 41, 61 is internal to the footwear element. Alternatively, cases in which the tightening device is external to the footwear element are also within the scope of the invention.

Further, at least because the invention is disclosed herein in a manner that enables one to make and use it, by virtue of the disclosure of particular exemplary embodiments, such as for simplicity or efficiency, for example, the invention can be practiced in the absence of any additional element or additional structure that is not specifically disclosed herein. 

1. A footwear element comprising: a flexible outer sole assembly; and a flexible upper; both the flexible outer sole assembly and the flexible upper demarcating a fitting volume; the footwear element extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral portion and a medial portion, and height-wise from an outer surface of the outer sole assembly to an upper end; the footwear element further comprising: a shoe insertion opening; spikes projecting from an area of the outer surface of the outer sole assembly; a removable reinforcement having a general appearance of a plate; the reinforcement extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral edge and a medial edge, and depth-wise between a support surface and a receiving surface; the reinforcement being arranged opposite the outer sole assembly; the reinforcement being substantially non-deformable in longitudinal flexion, along a transverse axis.
 2. A footwear element according to claim 1, wherein: the reinforcement has a length between 80% and 100% of a length of the outer sole assembly, and a width between 80% and 100% of a width of the outer sole assembly.
 3. A footwear element according to claim 1, wherein: the reinforcement has a thickness between 1.0 mm and 6.0 mm.
 4. A footwear element according to claim 2, wherein: the reinforcement has a thickness between 1.0 mm and 6.0 mm.
 5. A footwear element according to claim 1, wherein: the reinforcement is arranged within the fitting volume.
 6. A footwear element according to claim 1, wherein: the reinforcement comprises a synthetic material.
 7. A footwear element according to claim 1, further comprising: a tightening device affixed to the reinforcement, the tightening device being configured to tighten a shoe and/or a foot housed within the fitting volume.
 8. A footwear element according to claim 7, wherein: the tightening device is located in an area of a zone of the reinforcement extending from the rear end to the front end (36), over a distance between 10% and 45% of a length of the reinforcement.
 9. A footwear element according to claim 1, further comprising: a tightening device affixed to the outer sole assembly and/or to the upper, the tightening device being configured to tighten a shoe and/or a foot housed within the fitting volume.
 10. A footwear element according to claim 9, wherein: the tightening device is located in an area of a zone of the reinforcement extending from the rear end to the front end, over a distance between 10% and 45% of the length of the reinforcement.
 11. A footwear element according to claim 1, further comprising: a front crampon and a rear crampon. 